HOW many more local politicians are going to get the hump? Before Torbay Council's harbour committee meeting started, a councillor (well let's just say he lives up our way) verbally 'jumped' on me.

Slightly long-winded, his main argument was about Mathill parking, reckoning that after conducting a house-to-house survey of the area, residents were happy with the present situation.

So there! That's you told Cap'n!

Columnist Brian Carter once gave me a bit of friendly advice: "Don't overplay your writing by dwelling on the same subject week after week. The public expect a change of scenery, move on, Robert."

I will! However, my final word on politicians (for this week) albeit on a slightly higher plane, concerns the government's apology to the parents of children whose lives were shattered as a result of the drug Thalidomide, back in the late 1950s.

Prior to watching the televised apology from the House of Parliament I'd received a letter from Totnes Lib-Dem Parliamentary candidate Julian Brazil who appeared to appreciate a host of local issues and who admitted, 'politicians, not being the most popular people at the moment, fully understand the urgent need to rebuild respect and trust'.

Noble words, but my blood boiled watching the minister's TV thalidomide apology because there appeared to be less than 20 MPs in the chamber.

What sort of half-baked, fumbled apology was that? How can the British people be expected to respect and trust elected members who, for whatever reason, don't collectively face the nation with genuine regret? Agghh!

Most folks, during the past week or so, groaned about the terrible weather. Ice, snow and the upheaval it caused to our normal way of life.

But then we took on board television and press reports about Haiti's massive earthquake and the complete destruction of Port-au-Prince's hospitals, churches, schools, national palace, together with thousands of homes.

We witnessed countless bewildered people staggering about in shocked acceptance of their destiny.

Well, the reality of Britain's winter 'suffering' fell into silent perspective.

It made the Telegraph and Haldon Hill traffic jams seem like just a bad dream.

Pushing aside Haiti's politics or dictatorship, it's fitting that global humanity reaches out a helping hand to these poor stricken human beings.

At Brixham Town Council's meeting on January 14 only a handful of people turned out as council members debated a busy agenda.

OK, it was a rotten night, but with a population of more than 19,000 residents there was less than one person per thousand in attendance.

Surely if we've elected these people to represent us, and if councillors braved the elements to attend, 'we' should have been there to listen to their aspirations for the town's future?

Sadly, both chairman Chris Bedford and Stuart John were not well enough to attend, so Cllr Chris Lomas ably took command of the meeting.

Item seven on the agenda was to consider a recommendation from the council's planning committee to hold a public meeting to consult with the town regarding proposed developments of the Berry Head Peninsula.

On paper there are already proposals for virtually hundreds of new buildings eastwards from Gillard Road.

This includes an eco-village, erecting houses on the Wall Park camp site, extra facilities at Landscove camp and other possible developments within the area.

Brixham folk should voice an opinion.

Item eight found Cllr Jackie Stockman questioning big lorries and double decker buses using Monksbridge, Greenover and Burton as a way into town, along roads never designed for heavy traffic. Good question!

On item 10 the council agreed to form a working party to investigate the possible purchase of Brixham Town Hall from Torbay Council.

Next, a cheque was signed for renting a garage at Furzeham to store the council's Christmas lights.

The press and public were excluded from the last item (18) which involved possible purchase of land for more allotments.

Walking towards the foggy car park, behind a group of 'mature' folk, I overheard one frustrated gentleman remark: "Regarding Brixham Town Hall, we should pay the same Torbay Council paid us back in 1973'...sweet Fanny Adams!"

Altering course from political matters (at long last!) towards education is like veering from shenanigans to scholarly studies.

To this very day a slight feeling of guilt crowds my memory regarding education.

Furzeham was fine, but moving on to 'advanced' education at Torquay's Homelands Sec/Tec took a Cowtown teenage tearaway down roads he wasn't ready to travel.

Thankfully, no great damage was done and life moved on.

Today, children and indeed many adults thankfully accept the abundance of opportunities offered to expand their knowledge and so develop a greater understanding of the wider world.

Jenny Harriman, head of the Adult and Community Learning Centre at the community college, sent me an extensive selection of adult courses the college has to offer during the forthcoming year.

Free taster courses, starting after half-term, range from creative writing to creating your own kitchen garden, group sculpture, artistic recycling, cave art and many others.

Jenny raved about a new course, healthy eating for dads, and was amazed at the number of young men who showed up and who really appreciated the sound advice given.

Large numbers of 'students' from all walks of life, covering a range of different ages, prove there's no shame in gaining extra knowledge and are certainly a credit to the college.

The vast span of different adult courses far outweighs the space of this column, but by contacting Mrs Harriman's department on 01803 853302 or by email at JHarriman@admin.brixhamcollege.torbay. sch.uk you'll discover a number of interesting courses which could change your life.

Information of the different courses can also be obtained from libraries around the Bay.

I'm not sure if she was pulling my leg but Jenny hinted if a person studied really hard, in no time at all they could gain a doctorate... which sounded slightly more dignified than a mere Cap'n.

Anyway, don't be shy, go for it. Six months from now you could have gained new skills and be a fountain of knowledge on your chosen subject.